Stocking size gauge



July 18, 1950 Filed Nov. 9, 1946 H. GILBRT 2,515,824

sTocxING SIZE GAUGE 5 Sheets-Sheet l `luly 18, 1950 H.l GILBERT2,515,824

sTocxING SIZE GAUGE Filed Non 9, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 .56 4f ze Z m/o h/5 l 45 /6 /Z 25/71/6 39 63 '35 I .A 38 f n 37 53 4f 42 f5 (541 57 40 55IN1/avro@ f im m July 18, 1950 H. GILBERT sTocxING SIZE GAUGE 5Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 9, 1946 July 18, 1950 H. GILBERT 2,515,824

.l sTocxING SIZE GAUGE LQNPD Filed Nov. 9, 1946 l 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 July18, 1950 H. GILBERT STOCKING SIZE GAUGE Filed Nov. 9, 1946 5Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTO'Q:

Patented July 18, 1950 v by mesne assignments, to Gotham HosieryCompany,` Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of DelawareAppncatinnovenlber 9, 1946, serial No. 708,885

vSize of stockings best suited to the individual,

that is, with regard to all three of the Vdimensions .referred to above,.it is customary Vfor the buyer of hosiery to order only by .foot sizeand conventional lengths of leg.. This method :of selecting stockingsoften results in animproper fit thereof on the leg since the width ofthe stocking and gartering point are entirely disregarded. Thus, a.full-fashioned .t is not readily obtained unless such stockings arecustom made to the leg `di mensions of the individual wearer. y

It is a well` known fact that the height to which a Astocking will reach`on a leg depends largely upon the perimeter or girth of the largestpart of the lower `.portion of the leg, i. e., the size of the calf..For example, foot size has no relation -to the size of the calf of theleg and therefore a person having a small foot sometimes has a largecalf and Va long leg or Vice versa. Obviously, if the leg is long andlarge there will be .a different degree of shortening of the stockingwhen fitted than when the leg is long and slender. `In other words, itis essential that stockings hav- .ing proper ratios .between theirwidths and lengths be selected in order to effect a snug, comfortable.iit thereof on the leg.

In the v.absence of suitable means for calculating the proportionhetweenthe length ioi the leg and the width thereof it-has beennecessary to measure both the length and calf ofthe leg of a prospectivewearer by means of a tapemeasure or similar instrument 'and `this hasresulted in a laborious and time-consuming operation, besides requiringthe use of aA 'chart for transposing the linear 4values into terms ofstocking sizes. It is smallwonder, thereforethat the width of stockingsis almost entirely disregarded l and the hosiery selected on the basisof conventional foot sizes and standard leglengths.

It is the primary object of my invention to'provide a calculating devicecapable of quickly and accurately determining the exact lheight to whichva stocking will reach on any leg, irrespective of variations in thegirth of the leg, thereby en- 25 Claims. (ULSS-2) will extend to adesired heightifor example, the correct gar-tering point" withoutactualiy iitting the stocking to the leg and without employing the usualtrial-and-error method of determining correct stocking sizes.

Another object is to provide a device ofthe type indicated which isespecially suitable VAfor `use in stores where hosieryis sold and whichwill positively determine the correct size of stockings to be worn bythe individual buyer so that returns or exchanges of stockings due toimproper fit will be eliminated andthe lgood will lof the customerestablished.

Another object is `to provide a device of `the character referred tolhaving means for determining the girth of the leg, 'extensible measuringmeans adapted to measure the length of the leg which it is desired tocover, and compensating means for varying the amount of extension of themeasuring means in accordance with the girth of the leg whereby toautomatically indicate the exact length'of stocking leg necessary toreach to the desired height on the leg of the wearer.

Another object is to provide a device having an indicator dial which isadapted to indicate various stocking lengths and which is operated bythe extensible measuring means.

Another object is to provide a device of the type specified which iscomparatively simple in construction, pleasing in appearance and highlyeiiicient in performing its intended function.

Further objects of my invention will appear from the followingspecification and the drawings, which are intended for the purpose ofillustration only, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of my stocking size calculatingdevice, illustrating the method of applying it to use;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the device with certainparts removed or broken away to show the internal structure thereof, thedevice being illustrated as adjusted for measuring a leg having a calfof small size;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to FigsZ, showing the relative positions of theupper parts of the device when measuring a ieg having a' calf ofrelatively large girth;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the device;

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinalsectional view through the base of the deviceshowing the drive for the indicating means;

Fig. '7 is an end View of the device, shown partly in section on line'l-l of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the indicator disc;

Fig. 9 is a sectional plan view of the upper portion of a stocking sizecalculator of modified construction showing the calf gaging members inextended position for gaging a calf of relatively large size;

Fig. is a rear sectional view taken on line Ill-I0 of Fig. 9; and

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 showing the relationship of theparts when the gaging members are adjusted to measure a calf ofrelatively small size.

My hosiery size calculating device comprises, in general, a base memberadapted to support a person, spring-actuated wind-up means or drum onthe base member, a flexible measuring means on the drum and adapted tobe extended upwardly therefrom to position its end adjacent that part ofthe leg to which it is desirable that a stocking extend, movableindicating means on the base member operated by the drum and adapted toindicate the amount of extension of the measuring means from said drum,a casing supported from said base member and pivotally supporting gagemembers adapted to gage the thickness of the calf of the person standingupon the base member, pulleys in said casing around which the measuringmeans is looped, one of said pulleys being movable toward and away fromthe other of said pulleys to vary the length of the loop, the movablepulley being operatively connected to said gage members and adjustedthereby to vary the effective length of the measuring means and controlthe setting of the indicating means in accordance with various calfthicknesses.

In a modified form of construction herein disclosed my stocking sizecalculating device includes an alternative means for gaging the size ofthe calf to vary the effective length of the measuring means and controlth-e setting of the indicating means in accordance with various calfthicknesses. In this alternative construction, one of the gage membersis fixed upon the casing while the other gage member is adjustabletoward and away from said fixed member to determine the size of thecalf. The modifi-ed device employs a pair of pulleys around which theflexible measuring means extends, the pulleys being mounted on a commonpivotal axis to adapt them to be adjusted angularly with rel spect tothe line of movement of the measuring means whereby to vary theeifective length of the measuring means. A single manually operablemeans is provided for simultaneously adjusting the pulleys angularly andadjusting the f movable gage member with respect to the fixed gagemember, said manually operable means being adapted to be locked toretain the parts in their different positions of adjustment.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the present device comprises,essentially, a base member I8 which is preferably of inverted box-likeform, being provided with a top wall II and depending side walls I2 andend walls I3 adapted to rest upon a floor or other surface. The basemember I0 is substantially rectangular in plan view but its forward endis of semicircular outline (Fig. 4). Adjacent the rounded forward end ofthe base member IU its top wall II is provided with a rectangularaperture I5 and substantially midway between its ends, the top wall hasa transversely extending rectangular opening I6 provided with depressedledges Il (Fig. 2). Fastened to the top of the base member I0 is a platemember or platform I8 having an upwardly projecting side ange I9 and asimilar end flange 2|). Adjacent its rounded end, the plate member I8has a window 2l which registers with the aperture I5 of the base member.The plate member I8 is also provided with a pair of elongated slots 22aligned with the opening I6 of the base member Ii) and through whichproject screws 24 carried by a plate 25 arranged to rest upon the ledgesIl and to slide in the space between the ledges and the bottom surfaceof the platform I 8. The screws 24 are screwed into holes in the bottomof an indicator plate 26 to adapt the indicator plate to be shiftedlaterally along the top of the plate member I8. The purpose of theindicator plate 26 is to indicate the width of the foot of a personbeing measured for hosiery, it being understood that the person restsone foot upon the platform I8 during the measuring operation. The footof the person is so placed on the plate member I8 that the heel of thefoot engages with the rearward end ange 20 and the inside of the footabuts the side flange I9. With the foot thus disposed on the platformI8, the indicator plate 26 is shifted laterally into engagement withtheouter side of the foot to register with one or another of severalgraduations 28 denoting various Widths of the feet. The length of thefoot may be determined by the markings 29 of a scale 3!) on the platemember I8 (Fig. 4). The open bottom of the base member I0 is preferablyclosed by a cover member 3|.

Mounted within thevbase member II) is a sheet metal support member 35having end flanges 36 and 31 which are provided with bearing apertures38. One end of the support member 35 is attached to a boss 39 of thebase member I8 by means of a screw 4Il while the other end of thesupport member is secured thereto by means of a screw 4I passing througha hole in the support member and through a sleeve 42. The sleeve 42 isrotatably mounted on the screw 4I and secured to the sleeve is anindicator disc 45.

The disc 45 is marked with suitable graduations adapted to register withthe window 2| so as to be visible therethrough. As shown in Fig. 8, thegraduations may consist of a series of marks substantially equallyspaced adjacent the periphery of the disc. The graduations extendthroughout substantially and preferably the semicircle thus formed isdivided into three zones (Fig. 8). One zone is provided with a singlearcuate row of marks 48, an adjacent zone has two concentric rows ofmarks 49 and the third zone has three concentric rows of marks 50. Thesingle marks 48 may represent units of length corresponding withrelatively short lengths of stockings, the marks 49 may signify thatmedium length stockings are necessary for a proper t and the marks 50may indicate that stockings of relatively long length are required inorder to obtain a perfect t.

Fast on the sleeve 42 is a worm wheel 52 which is adapted to be rotatedby a worm 53 carried by a shaft 54 which is rotatable in the bearingapertures 38 of the support member 35. Adjacent the rearward end of thebase member I0 the shaft 54 carries a take-up reel or drum 55 aroundwhich a flexible measuring member 56, preferably in the form of a cord,is wound. Surrounding the shaft 54 is a coil spring 51 having one of itsends secured to the shaft and its other end engaging the support member35. The spring 5l normally tends to rotate the shaft 54 in a directionwhich will cause the indicator disc 45 to rotate in counterclockwisedirection, as' viewed inFig. 8, to Vmaintain an index mark 58 -oi' thedisc "in register with the window 2| and towindithe cord 56 on the reel55. When the cordis drawn off from the reel 55 the shaft 54 will berotated in the Vreverse direction to'cause successive marks `48, 49, or50 to register with the window 2|.

Projecting upwardly from the base `member I adjacent its rearward Vendis a tubular post 60.

As shown in Fig. 7, adjacent its lower end the ,post 60 Ais providedwith a peripheral flange 5| which rests upon the top of the `4vplate`member "I8 and 4"below the flange is a `threaded `portion 62 whichextends `down through a hole in the plate member. A `nut 63 screwedontothe threaded portion 462 and set up against the plate member I8 securesthe post in position. Carried at the upper end of the post50 lis acasing 65 of substantially triangular shape in side View.` The irontside of the casing is normally closed by a cover 66. The rearward wallof the casing 55 vis provided with a vertical slot V|51 andthe uppercurved wall has a pair of spaced transverse openings 68.

The casing 65 is provided with a boss 10 in its interior and pivotallymounted in holes in the boss are gage members 1| and 12 havinghorizontal portions 13 engageable in the holes and upwardly extendingportions 1'4 which are provided with curved cam surfaces '15. The upperends of the gage members 1| and 12 project outwardly through theopenings 68 and are bent to provide lateral arms 16.. The gage members1| and 12 are normally pivoted in a direction. to cause their arms 15 toseparate as shown in Fig. 3 .under the action of springs 11 coiledaround the portions 1.3, each having an end engaging the casing 65 andanother end engaging one of the members..

The boss carries a horizontal pin 80 across which the measuring cord 56,extending through the post 60, leads. From` the pin 80, the cord 56passes upwardly to partially encircle a grooved pulley 8| rotatable on astud B2 within the cas,- ing 65. The cord 56 leads downwardly from thepulley 8| to partially encircle a grooved pulley 84 which is adapted to`be moved toward and away from the iixed pulley 8|. The pulley 81| isro' tatable on a pin 85 carried by a slidelmember 81 adapted to slidevertically within the casing 65. The slide member 81 is provided with alateral arm 88 having lingers 89 at its ends adapted to engage the camsurfaces of the gage members 1| and 12 to pivot the gage membersinwardly toward each other against the action of, the springs 11 whenthe slide member 81 is moved upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 3to that illustrated in Fig. 2.

The slide member 81 is adapted to slide vertically` on a rod 92, thelower end of which is` held in the boss 10 while the upper end thereofisheld in a lug 93 of the casing 55. Manually operated means areprovided for sliding the member 81, Fig. '7 illustrating this means ascomprising Ia binder-screw 95 having a knob 96 at one end. The knob hasa hub portion 91 adaptedto slide in the vertical slot |31 of the casing55 and the screw 95 is threaded into the slide member 81. The slidemember 31 is slit to provide clamping portions 99 and |00 (Fig. '7), thescrew 95 passing through a clearance hole in one portion `99-and screwedinto a threaded hole in the other portion |00 to cause the two portionsto clamp the slide member to the rod 92.

y manner vabove explained, the handle After passing around the movablepulley 84, the rcor-cl 56 leads across a guidepin |02 and thence throughan aperture v|93 in the top of the casing. `The end `of the cord 156 isprovided with ahandle |05 by means of which the cord may bedrawnupwardly through the casing `55 and unwound from the drum 55. Thehosiery size calculating device having been described in detail, themethod of operation thereof is as next explained. i

vTodetermine the size of stockings which will "reachto a desired heighton the legs of a person, the sales clerk will make use of the presentcalculating device. The person being fitted will first remove ashoeiromone root and place this foot upon-the platform yH3 as lshown in Fig. l.The length and width of the foot may be determined by the scales 30 and28, respectively. With the heel `of the `foot disposed against theflange 20, the leg will extend upwardly adjacent the post 50. The Vgagemembers 1| and 12 are normally pivoted outwardly as shown in Fig. 3underthe influence of lthe springs 11 and thus the leg will extendupwardly between the arms 16 of the gage members.

The first step in the operation of the device is to adjust 'th-e partsto `the width or girth of the leg. This is accomplished by loosening thescrew slightly and sliding the slide member 81 upwardly in the casing65. During this sliding movementthe fingers 89 of the slide member 81,acting against the cam surfaces 15 of the gage members 1| and 12, willpivot the members inwardly toward each other (Fig. 2) in the manner of a`caliper instrument. Eventually, the arms 15 will engage opposite sidesof the calf of the leg and the knob 95 is then turned to cause the screw951:0 clamp the slide member 81 in adjusted position on the rod 92.During the upward sliding movement of the slide member A81 the pulley 84mounted thereon is moved toward the iixed pulley 8| and thus the loop|l0 of the cord 55 extending around the two pulleys is shortened tocorrespondingly reduce the length of cord between the drum 55 and thehandle |05, it being noted that during this adjustment of the parts thehandle vis maintained in engagement with the top of the casing 55 underthe action of the spring 51 which is operative to wind up the measuringcord on the drum 55. It will be apparent from the foregoing that theindicator disc l5 will be turned in counterclockwise direction, .asviewed in Fig. 8, by the rotation of the shaft 54 and gear connection53, 52 so that when the handle |05 is at rest against the top of thecasing 55, the unmarked portion of the disc will be disposed adjacentthe window 2 After the gage members 1| and 12 have been adjustedto thesize of the calf of the leg in the |05 is grasped in the fingers andmoved upwardly to that par-t ofl the leg to which the purchaser desiresthe stocking to reach. As the handle 05 is drawn upwardly, the cord 56is unwound or extended from the wind-up drum 55, thus rotating `the drumin a direction which. causes the indicator disc 45 to turn in clockwisedirection. The amount of withdrawal of the cord 56 from the drum `.55will determine the degree of rotation of the disc 95 and this movementis indicated by the .particular marks on the disc which may be observedthrough the window 2|. If the disc 45 is turned through only a smallpart of a revolution, on-e of the marks-48 will appear in the window 2I, thus indicating to the salesclerk that a stocking having a relativelyshort leg length will reach the designated height onthe leg. If thepositioning of the handle against the desired location on the leg actsto rotate the disc 45 to a position wherein any of the marks 49 or 50are disposed below the window 2|, such conditions will indicate thateither a medium or long leg stocking will be necessary in order that thetop of the stocking will reach to the designated position on the leg. Itis apparent, therefore, that the proper length of stocking leg will beautomatically and instantaneously calculated and indicated to theoperator so that the proper size of stocking is readily established.

It has been stated that the required length rof the leg of the stockingwill be proportionate to the girth of the leg of the wearer at itswidest part, that is, at the calf of the leg. For example, if the calfof the leg is of relatively large girth the stocking will shorten to aconsiderable extent when f tted to the leg of the wearer and thus inorder to provide that the stocking will reach to a desired point it isnecessary to use a stocking having a relatively long leg. On the otherhand, if the calf of the leg of the wearer is of small girth thestocking will shorten to only a slight degree and thus a stocking havinga shorter length may be used. My invention makes use of the gage members1| and 12 for controllingr the extent of rotation of the indicator disc`45 in accordance with the girth of the particular leg being measured. Aspreviously explained, the position of the movable pulley 34 with respectto the stationary pulley 8| determines the size of the loop H0 producedin the cord 56 and thus the initial setting of the indicator disc isautomatically effected by the setting of the gage members 1| and 12.Thus, by the simple operation of adjusting the gage members 1| and 12 tothe size of the cali, the degree of rotation of the indicator disc 45,as effected by the extension of the cord 56 from the rotary drum 55, iscontrolled so that the length of stocking leg necessary to reach predetermined locations on legs having various girths may be readilydetermined. In lieu of the designations 43, 43 and 50, the indicatordisc 45 may be provided with a graduated scale marked oi in units oflength such as inches and fractions of inches. It is also within theconcept of my invention to provide a rectilinear scale operated by arack and pinion or other driving means from the rotatable wind-up drum55.

Referring now to Figs. 9, 10 and 11 of the drawings, my invention alsoprovides a stocking size calculating device wherein the means for gagingthe size of the calf is embodied in a modif-led form of construction.This alternative calf-gaging means includes a casing of generally dishshape, having a forward wall |2I of circular coniiguration and alaterally extending peripheral rim 222. In its bottom portion the casing|20 has a boss having a hole adapted to receive the upper end of thetubular post 60 to mount the casing on the post, the boss having areduced hole through which the exible measuring member 56 is adapted topass. The casing |20 normally is closed` by a removable sheet metalcover |26` (Fig. 9) and a portion of the peripheral rim |22 of thecasing is provided with a raised track |21 having a groove |28 in itsperipheral surface. At one side of the casing, the front wall |2| isdepressed to provide a horizontal guideway |30, At the opposite side ofthe casing |20 is an internal boss |3| having a square hole 32. Adaptedto slide laterally in the guideway |30 and hole |32 is a bar |33 ofsquare cross section, the bar |33 having a forwardly projecting gage arm35. Secured in alhole. in the boss |3| is a second gage arm |36 whichalso projects forwardly from the front face of the casing |20. The bar|33 is adapted to be slid laterally to adjust itsarm |35 toward and awayfrom the xed gage arm |36 by means to be next described.

Held in a boss |38 within and at the center of the casing 20 is a pivotstud |29 on which is pivotally mounted an adjusting member |40. Themember |40 has a pair of opposite arms |4| and |42 each carrying a stud|43 upon which grooved pulleys |44 and 45 are respectively mounted. Thearm |42 is provided with a handle |41 which projects outwardly throughan arcuate opening |48 in the rim |22 of the casing |20 adjacent thetrack |21. The outer end of the handle |41 has an offset boss |49provided with a threaded hole through .which a binder-screw 550 isadapted to be screwed. The inner end of the screw |50 has ahemispherical recess in which a ball |5| is arranged, the ball beingadapted to travel in the arcuate groove |28 of the track |21. To pivotthe adjusting memn ber |40, the screw |50 is loosened and, with the headof the screw held between the lingers, the handle |41 is moved upwardly01 downwardly to vary the angularity of the adjusting member, afterwhich the screw is tightened to bind the ball |5| inthe groove |28 toretain the member 20 in any position of adjustment. The arm |4|1of theadjusting member |40 is provided with a linger 53 which is operativelyconnected to the bar |33 of the movable gage arm |35 by means of a link|55 so that angular movement of the adjusting member |40 causes lateralsliding movement of the gage arm 35.

Theexible measuring member 56, after entering the lower part of thecasing |40, passes across a xed pin |51, thence is looped over thegrooved pulley |45 and under the grooved pulley |44 and then ledupwardly across a iixed pin |58 from which point it leads out from thetop of the casing through an opening |59. As in the embodiment iirstdescribed, the flexible member 5G may be in the form of a cord providedwith a handle |05. To retain the cord 56 within the grooves of thepulleys |44 and |45, the adjusting member |40 is provided with arcuateflanges |00 arranged concentric to and closely adjacent the peripheriesof the pulleys. Arranged between the bar |33 of the gage arm |35 and thefront wall |2| of the casing |20 is a leaf spring |6| for applyingfriction between these parts.

The modified form of device shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11 operates in amanner similar to that previously described to adjust the gage arms tothe thickness of the calf. When the person to be measured is standingupon the base member I0. one side of the calf |62 of the leg will bedisposed against the xed gage member |33 as indicated by thedot-and-dash line in Fig, 9, it being understood that before themeasuring operation is started the gage member |35 is moved away fromthe xed gage member |36 to accommodate the calf therebetween. Toincrease the gap between the gage members |35 and |36, the screw |50 isfirst loosened and the handle |41 swung upwardly to the position shownin Fig. 10 and as the compensating pulleys |44 and |45 are thus revolvedabout their common axis |39 in counter-clockwise direction, theadjusting member 40 acts, through the link |55, to slide the rod 33toward the left as viewed in Fig. l0, to move the member |35 away fromthe member 36. When the calf |62 of the leg is located between the gagemembers |35 and |36, the handle '|41 is rotated downwardly to cause themember |35 to move toward the member [36 until the calf is lightlyembraced. between these members, after which the thumb screw Hill istightened to retain the parts in their positions of adjustment. As thegage arms |35 and 36y are thus regulated the length of the loop of cordextending around the pulleys M4 and |45 is either increased ordecreased, according to the' direction of movement of the pulleys and,as in the operation of the device shown in Figs. l through 8, thischange in length is a determining factor in establishing the'ratiobetween the size of the calf and the distance on the leg to which it isdesired that the stocking extend. The modified form oi calf measuringdevice shown in Figs. 9, 10 and ll provides a simple;v yet efficientmeans and may be quickly and readily applied to use by one notespecially skilled inl its operation,

While I have herein shown the stocking size calculating device asembodied in a preferred'forfm of construction, by way of example, itwill. be understood that it may be modified in various particularswithout departing fromv the spirit of the invention. Consequently, I donot desire to lbe limited by thev foregoing specification',l but desireto be' afforded the full scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A device for determining the proper size' of stockings to be' Worn bya person, including: extensible, flexible measuring means* for measuringthe length of that portion of a leg to be enclosedl in a stocking;movable indicating` means actu*- ated by said measuringmeans forindicating units-` of length; separate gaging means adjustable to' thethickness of a portion of the leg below that portion of the leg to whichit is desired that the stocking extend; and movable compensating meansresponsive to the setting of saidL gaging means for varying theamplitude ofy movement of said indicating means under the actuationI ofsaid measuring means.

2. A device for determining the proper size ofstockings to'be worn' by aperson, includingzexitensible,` flexible measuring means for measuringthe length of that portion of' a leg to be enclosed inA a stocking;rotatable indicating means actu'- ated by said measuring means forindicating. units of length; separate, independently operable; gagingmeans-adjustable to the thickness of a portion, of the leg below thatportion of the leg 17o-which' it is desired that the stocking extend;`and vertv cally *movableY compensating meansz res'ponsivel to' thesettingy of said gaging means for varying thef degree of rotation: ofmovement of said' indicating means under the" actuation of saidmeasuring' means.

3.1y Al device! for' determiningv the proper 'sizej off stockings to beworn by a-` personr including? extensible, flexible measuringY means forrileasu'r` ing they length of that portion ofa leg to be" enclosed in a"stocking; rotary indicating means actuated by said measuringl means foriindicating units of length;` separate gaging meansad-justabl tothefthickness of a portion of thel'egbelowi that portionofv the leg towhich" it is desired that thestocking extend; andvertcally movablecompen# sating meansoperatedby sai'dg'aging means for varying theamplitude of rotation ofsaid indieating` means under the actuationofsaid meas' uring means.

4. A deviceV for determining `the proper sizeA of" stockings to be wornbyl a personi including-z a" rotatapllwind-up drum; al1-extensible;flexible" 75 1G measuring means wound on said drum and adapted to beunwound therefrom to measure the length of that portion of a leg to beenclosed in a stocking; movable indicating means disposedV from andoperatively connected to said drum and adapted to indicate the amount ofextensionof said measuring means from said drum; gaging means adapted tobe adjusted to the thickness of a portion of the leg below that portionof the leg l to which it is desired that the stocking. extend;

and compensating means operated by said gaging means for varying theeffective length of said measuring means in accordance withV various legthicknesses; v

5. A- deviceV for determining the proper size of stockings to be Worn byaperson, including: a spring-actuated wind-up drum; a flexible measuringmeans wound on said drum and adapted to be extended therefrom to permitits end to be positioned adjacent that part of the leg above the knee towhich it is desirable that the stocking extend; movable indicating meansspaced from and operatively connected to saiddrum and adaptedA toindicate the amount of extension of said measuring means from said drum;gaging means adapted to beV adjusted.- tothe thickness of the calf'- ofthe leg; andcompensating means operated by said gag-ing means forvarying the effective length of said measuring means in accordance withvarious calfthicknesses.

k6... A device for determining the proper size of stockingsto be worn bya person, including: a spring-actuated wind-up drum; a flexiblemeasuring means wound on said drum and adapted to be extended therefromto permit its end to bepositioned adjacent thatpart of the leg to whichyit is desirable that the stocking extend; movablel indicatingmeansoperated by said drum and adapted to indicate the amount of extension ofsaid measuring means from said drum; gaging means adapted to be adjustedtothe thickness of thev calf of the leg; a movable pulley around whichsaldi measuring means extends, said pulley being adaptedtoJ be adjustedtoward and away from said drum to" vary the effective length of saidmeasuring means;` and connecting means between said gagingmeans and saidpulley for adjusting the position' of said pulley in accordance withvarious calf thicknesses.

7. A device' for determining the proper size of stockings to beI worn bya person, including: a-r

spring-actuated wind-up drum; a lex-ible measuring.'` means wound onsaid drum and' adapted to be extended therefrom to permit its end to bepositioned' adjacent that part of the leg to which it isl desirable thatthe stocking ext'endf;v move' the effective length of said measuringmeans ir'l accordance'with various' calf thicknesses.

8i A device' for determining'. the proper size of' stockings to be wornby' a' person, including: a spring-actuated wind-up drum; a flexiblemeasuring means wound on` said ldrum and adalt'ed.t to be extendedtherefrom to permit itsA end to be positioned adjacent that part of theleg to which it is desirable that the stocking extend; movableindicating means operated by said drum and adapted to indicate theamount of extension of said measuring means from said drum; calipermeans adapted to gage the thickness of the cali of the leg; a slidemember movable toward and away from said drum; a pulley rotatablymounted on said slide member and around which said measuring meansextends; connecting means between said slide member and said caliper.means, said connecting means being operative to adjust the position ofsaid slide member in accordance with the setting of said caliper meansto vary the effective length of said measuring means in accordance withvarious calf thicknesses; and retaining means for retaining said slidemember and said pulley in different positions of adjustment.

9. A device for determining the proper size of stockings to be worn by aperson, including: a base member adapted to support a person; aspringactuated wind-up drum on said base member; a iiexible measuringmeans wound on said drum and adapted to be extended upwardly therefromto permit its end to be positioned adjacent that part of the leg towhich it is desirable that the stocking extend; movable indicating meanson said base member operated by Said drum and adapted to indicate theamount of extensionA of said measuring means from said drum; a verticalpost on said base member; a casing on said post; a pair of gage memberspivoted in said casing and adapted to be pivoted toward and away fromeach other to gage the thickness of the calf of the person standing uponsaid base; a slide member movable in said casing and connected to saidgage members; a rotatable pulley carried by said movable slide member;and a second rotatable pulley xedly mounted within said casing, saidmeasuring means extending from said drum over said second pulley andunder said movable pulley, and said slide member being adjustablevertically and connected to simultaneously pivot said gage members andmove said movable pulley toward and away from said fixed pulley to varythe effective length of said measuring means in accordance with variouscalf thicknesses.

l0. A device for determining the proper size of stockings to be worn bya person, including: a base member adapted to support a person; aspring-actuated wind-up drum on said base member; a flexible measuringmeans wound on said drum and adapted to be extended upwardly therefromto permit its end to be positioned adjacent that part of the leg towhich it is desirable that the stocking extend; movable indicating meanson said base member operated by said drum and adapted to indicate theamountoi extension of said measuring means from said drum; a verticalpost on said base member; a casing on said post; a pair of curved gagemembers pivoted in said casing and adapted to be pivoted toward and awayfrom each other to gage the thickness of the calf of the person standingupon said base; a slide member movable in said casing; arms on saidslide member engageable with said gage members; a rotatable pulleycarried by and movable with said slide member; and a second rotatablepulley xedly mounted within said casing, said measuring means extendingfrom said drum over said second pulley and under said movable pulley,and said slide member being adjustable vertically and connected tosimultaneously pivot said gage. members andV move said movable pulleytoward" and away from said fixed pulley to' vary the effective length ofsaid measuring means in accordance with various calf thicknesses.

11. A device as defined in claim l0 having resilient means for normallypivoting said gage members in a direction away from each other.

l2. A device as defined in claim 10 in which said gage members areprovided with cam portions engageable with said arms.

13. A device as dened in claim l0 in which said measuring means isprovided with a pullknob normally held in engagement with the upper endof said casing under the action of said Wind-up drum.

14. A device as dened in claim l0 in which said gage members areprovided with lateral arms adapted to engage against opposite sides ofthe calf.

l5. A device for determining the proper size of stockings to be worn bya person, including: a base member adapted to support a person; aspring-actuated wind-up drum on said base member; a exible measuringmeans Wound on said drum and adapted to be extended upwardly therefromto permit its end to be positioned adjacent that part of the leg towhich it is desirable that the stocking extend; movable indicating meanson said base member and adapted to indicate the amount of extension ofsaid measuring means from said drum; a gear drive between said drum andsaid indicating means; a Vertical post on said base member; a casing onsaid post; a pair of gage members pivoted in said casing and adapted tobe pivoted toward and away from each other to gage the thickness of thecalf of the person standing upon said base; a slide member movable insaid casing and connected to said gage members; a rotatable pulleycarried by said movable slide member; and a second rotatable pulleyfixedly mounted within said casing, said measuring means extending fromsaid drum over said second pulley and looped under said movable pulley,and said slide member being adjustable vertically and connected tosimultaneously pivot said gage members and move said movable pulleytoward and away from said fixed pulley to vary the eiective length ofsaid measuring means in accordance with various calf thicknesses.

16. A device for determining the proper size of stockings to be worn bya person, including: a base member adapted to support a person; a drivenshaft rotatable on said base member; an indicator disc on said shaft,said disc having indicia representing units of length and registrablewith an index on said base member; a drive shaft on said base member; adrum on said drive shaft; a flexible measuring means wound on said .drumand adapted to be unwound therefrom to permit its end to be positionedadjacent that portion of 'the leg to which it is desirable that thestocking extend; spring means operative to normally rotate said driveshaft in a direction to wind said measuring means onto said drum; geardrive connections between said drive shaft and said driven shaft wherebyrotation of said drum rotates said indicator disc, said indicator discbeing adapted to indicate the amount of extension of said measuringmeans from said drum; a vertical post on said base member; a casing onsaid post; a pair of gage members pivoted in said casing and adapted tobe pivoted toward and away from each other to gage the thickness of thecalf of the person standing upon said base; a slide member movable insaid casing and connected to Asaid gage members; a rotatable pulleycarried by saidmovable slide member: and a second rotatable pulleyxedly--mounted within said cas'- ings-aid measuring means extendingfromsaid drurnoverwsaid second pulley and under` said movable pulley,'andsa-id slide member beingv adjustable vertically and `connected tosimultaneously pivot said gage members and move said movable pulleytoward and away from saidfixed pulley to vary'the effective length ofsaiclmeasuring means in accordance with various calf thicknesses.

17. In a stocking size calculator, the combination of ilexible lengthdetermining means adapted to be adjusted vertically to determine therequired stocking length of a human leg; separate, independentlyoperable, girth determining means adapted to be adjusted laterally todetermine the required stocking girth of the calf of said leg; and meansinterconnecting said length determining means and said girth determiningmeans and automatically operable in response to said lateral adjustmentsthereof to indicate the correct stocking size for said leg.

18. In a stocking size calculator, the combination of flexible lengthdetermining means adapted to be adjusted vertically to determine therequired stocking length of a human leg; separate, independentlyoperable, girth determining means adapted to be adjusted laterally todetermine the required stocking girth of a portion of said leg below theknee; and means movable independently of and interconnecting said lengthdetermining means and said girth determining means and automaticallyoperable in response to said lateral adjustments thereof to indicate thecorrect stocking size for said leg.

19. In a stocking size calculator, the combination of flexible length-determining means adapted to be adjusted vertically to determine therequired stocking length of a human leg; separate, independentlyoperable, girth determining means adapted to be adjusted laterally todetermine the required stocking girth of the calf of said leg; and meansmovable with respect to and interconnecting said length determiningmeans and said girth determining means and automatically operable inresponse to said lateral adjustments thereof to indicate the correctstocking size for said leg.

20. In a stocking calculator, the combination of: extensible, ilexiblelength determining means adapted to be extended vertically to determinethe required stocking length of a human leg; a separate, independentlyoperable, girth determining means adapted to be adjusted laterally todetermine the required stocking girth of the calf of said leg; andindependently movable means interconnecting said length determiningmeans and said girth determining means and automatically operable inresponse to said lateral adjustments to vary the effective length ofsaid extensible length determining means to indicate the correctstocking size iorsaid leg.

2l. A device for determining the proper size of stockings to be Worn bya person, including: a rotatable wind-up drum; an extensible, flexiblemeasuring means Wound on said drum and adapted to be unwound therefromto measure the length of that portion of a leg to be enclosed in astocking; movable indicating means spaced from and operated by said drumand adapted to indicate the amount of extension of said measuring meansfrom said drum; separate, independently operable, gaging means adaptedto be lli sii-justesse thefthiekness of the caifof the ieg: and`comp'eris'ating` means operatively Aconnected to said gaging means forvaryingy the effective length*off-s'aidmasring means in accordance withvarious calf thicknesses.

22. A device for determining the proper size of stocking-s,torbey wornby a person, including: a rotatable wind-up drum; an extensible measuruing means Wound on said drum and adapted to be unwound` therefrom `tomeasure the length of that portion of a leg to be enclosed in astocking; movableind-icating means operated by saidand'adaptedtoindicate the amount of extension of said measuring meansfrom said drum; gaging means adapted to be adjusted to the thickness ofthe calf of the leg; and rotary compensating means operatively connectedto said gaging means for varying the effective length of said measuringmeans in accordance with various calf thicknesses.

23. A device for determining the proper size of stockings to be worn bya person, including: a rotatable wind-up drum; an extensible measuringmeans wound on said drum and adapted to be unwound therefrom to measurethe length of that portion of a leg to be enclosed in a stocking;movable indicating means operated by said drum and adapted to indicatethe amount of extension of said measuring means from said drum; slidablegaging means adapted to be adjusted to the thickness of the calf of theleg; and rotary compensating means operatively connected to said gagingmeans for varying the effective length of said measuring means inaccordance with various calf thicknesses, rotary movement of saidcompensating means eiecting sliding movement of said gaging means.

24. A device for determining the proper size of stockings to be worn bya person, including:

a rotatable wind-up drum; an extensible measuring means Wound on saiddrum and adapted to be unwound therefrom to measure the length of thatportion of a leg to be enclosed in a stocking; movable indicating meansoperated by said drum and adapted to indicate the amount of extension ofsaid measuring means from said drum;

relatively slidable gage members adapted to be adjusted to the thicknessof the calf of the leg; rotary compensating means operatively connectedto said gaging means; and means operable to simultaneously rotate saidcompensating means and relatively slide said gage members, saidcompensating means being operative to vary the effective length of saidmeasuring means in accordance with various calf thicknesses.

25. A device for determining the proper size of stockings to be Worn bya person, including: a rotatable wind-up drum; an extensible measuringmeans Wound on said drum and adapted to be unwound therefrom to measurethe length of that portion of a leg to be enclosed in a stocking;movable indicating means operated by said drum and adapted to indicatethe amount of extension of said measuring means from said drum; a fixedgage member; a slidable gage member slidable toward and away from saidfixed gage member to gage the thickness of the calf of the leg; apivoted adjusting member provided with a handle; a pair of compensatingpulleys rotatable on said adjusting member around which said extensiblemeasuring means is looped; and a link connected between said adjustingmember and said slidable gage member, pivotal movement of said adjustingmember and pulleys acting to simultaneously vary the effective length 1Sof said measuring means in accordance with Number, various calfthicknesses and to adjust the pos- 2,110,895 Jcion of said slidable gagemember. 2,125,530 HENRY GILBERT. 2,181,930 5 2,332,723 REFERENCES CITEDThe following references are of record inthe N fle of this patent: ugmUNITED STATES PATENTS lo 837,822 Number Name Date 1,926,581 Clarke Sept.12, 1933 2,078,368 Brannock Apr. 27, 1937 16 Name Date Verdier Mar. 15,1938 Verdier Aug. 2, 1938 Wheeler Dec. 5, 1939 Ineld Oct. 26, 1943FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date France Oct. 5, 1925 France Feb. 21, 1939

